Improving the IceCube sensitivity with a wavelength shifting optical module

The research presented in this paper is aimed towards investigating the feasibility of using a wavelength-shifter as sensitive surface for the detection of Cherenkov light. Thereto an experimental setup was used in conjunction with a Geant4 simulation of the setup. An extensive calibration allowed to unambiguously detect Cherenkov radiation and compare efficiencies between different measurements, invigorated by the simulation. Additionally on basis of the setup a new method is proposed to shed light on the otherwise concealed efficiency of the used muon trigger.